Sebastian Vettel today took over the mantle of the youngest world champion in Formula One history following an astonishing end to one of the most dramatic seasons in the sport's 60 years.

Vettel took the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi for his fifth victory of the year, and with Ferrari's Fernando Alonso a distant seventh as a number of events conspired against him, it allowed the German to make sure of his place in the record books.

At 23 years and 135 days, Vettel beats the mark of Lewis Hamilton – who finished second in this race ahead of team-mate and outgoing world champion Jenson Button – by 166 days.

It guaranteed Vettel the title by four points from Alonso, with Red Bull completing a championship double after winning the constructors' crown a week ago in Brazil.

Vettel was clearly in tears on his slow-down lap as he attempted to speak over the in-car radio, with his team principal, Christian Horner, proclaiming: "Sebastian Vettel you are the world champion!"

Hamilton, the 2008 champion, was the first to congratulate Vettel as they emerged from the cockpit of their cars.

Out on the track, however, there was consternation when Alonso drew up alongside Vitaly Petrov as the Spaniard wagged his finger at the Renault driver after being help up for around 40 laps.

Petrov, however, was perfectly within his rights to fight for his eventual sixth place, his second best result of the year, and one which may yet lead to him retaining his place for next season.

The start was typically dramatic, albeit with all the action going on behind the leading quintet who were making their way on to one of the longest straights in F1 when the action unfolded.

It was sparked by nothing more than a nudge from Nico Rosberg on his Mercedes team-mate Michael Schumacher on the approach into turn six, a sharp right-hander.